For most, the family Christmas card is another Americanised trend taking hold in countries further afield. For the British royal family, it is a long-standing tradition and a means to give thanks for their support throughout the year.
As a child, Princes William and Harry joined their parents Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana in a number of different set-ups, ranging from formal suiting to matching outfits on the grounds of Windsor Castle. The cards are sent to supporters of their patronages, charity workers and friends and family and it is released to the public through syndicated media to satiate the interest of royal watchers around the world.
This year, the Cambridges, who are always keen to showcase a down-to-earth image, released a card with their three adorable children on a motorbike and sidecar, of which Princess Charlotte has taken the reins. Little Prince Louis sits on his father’s lap in a pair of denim dungarees and Prince George poses on his father’s shoulder in a pair of check shorts and polo shirt.
The picture centres William as the centre of family, as Kate, wearing a polka dot pleated Boden dress is leaning on her husband, while holding onto the handle of the bike. Last year, the couple released a more choreographed card sitting in a tree on the grounds of their home Amner Hall in Norfolk, wearing matching outfits, all clad in jeans.
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This year, however, seems to be a more accurate indicator of imagined life behind palace gates: none of their clothes match, making it a more realistic reflection of parenthood and a refreshing snapshot of a young family with three children under the age of seven when matching outfits just isn’t an option sometimes.
In previous years, the Cambridges have adopted a more formal approach: in 2017, all were formally dressed in a picture taken months earlier as the duchess was pregnant with their third child at the time.
The last year has been an exceptionally difficult one for the British royals: in between the fall-out of Prince Andrew, Meghan and Harry waging war against the tabloid media and Prince Philip’s car crash, news headlines have been dominated by their personal lives. Kate and William have been established as the consistent breath of fresh air – the ‘normal’ family who toe the line and enjoy almost overwhelming popularity, and their Christmas card would correspond with that image.
Last year, Meghan and Harry issued a black and white picture from their wedding reception at Frogmore House, as the couple gazed at a fireworks display arm-in-arm, widely interpreted as sending an ‘us against the world’ message.
The tradition of the royal Christmas card dates back decades as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip always sent family portraits to supporters during the festive period. It’s believed the first card was sent in 1914 when King George and Queen Mary sent a hand-written note to British troops fighting in World War One.
“With our best wishes for Christmas 1914,” it read. “May God protect you and bring you home safe.” By 1942, Elizabeth, then princess, sent a card to troops fighting in World War Two.
Other royal family Christmas cards
Denmark
Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary joined their four children for a special photoshoot in the royal barn at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.
Spain
Spanush royals King Felipe and Queen Letizia re-released a picture with their daughters Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia during a trip to Asiegu, where the girls wore matching Burberry trenchcoats, flanked by their parents.
Norway
Norway’s royal family released this formal Christmas card, centring King Harald and Queen Sonja seated with the heirs to the throne posing happily alongside them. Crown Princess Mette-Marit and husband Crown Prince Haakon beamed alongside their children Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre magnus around a Christmas tree in the Royal Palace, Oslo.
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